Oscar Clark Carr Jr.

Oscar Clark Carr Jr. was a civil rights activist and leading member of the American Episcopal Church.

Biography

Oscar Carr was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy and served as a naval officer for three years before returning home to his family cotton farm. Carr credited the "racial militancy" of Governor Ross Barnett of Mississippi and Governor George Wallace of Alabama for spurring his interest in civil rights. Working with state NAACP leader Aaron Henry, he started an anti-poverty community action group in Coahoma county.[1] Together they also enrolled 6,000 children in the Head Start program.[2]

In 1971, Carr became the Episcopal Church's first executive for stewardship and development.[2]

He died of cancer on November 5, 1977 at age 54.[2] Over 500 people attended his funeral at the Church of the Heavenly Rest in New York City on 8 November, which was presided over by Bishop Paul Moore.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 Church, Rights Leader Oscar Carr Dies, Episcopal News Service, 9 November 1977
  2. 1 2 3 "Oscarr Carr Dies". The Living Church. The Living Church Foundation, Inc. 4 December 1977. p. 6.

External links

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